Help bees and butterflies to thrive

There are lots of ways you can help bees and butterflies to thrive. Why not try planting pollinator-friendly flowers? You could even build a bee B&B or take part in the Big Butterfly Count.
Did you know that there are around 270 types of bee in Britain? Among them there are 24 species of bumble bee, including red tailed, common carder, garden and tree bees. Bees are one of our most important pollinators, and we rely on their hard work for much of what we eat from fruit to nuts and seeds. They’re also vital in keeping up the health of our ecosystem and covering our landscapes in colour, so we need to give them the biggest chance possible to thrive.
You can also help bees and butterflies thrive. Plant pollinator-friendly flowers like lavender or primroses, and create a blanket of colour in your own patch, plot, window box or community garden. You’ll soon see the wildlife flourish. From the humble bumble bee enjoying the fruits of a sunflower growing competition, to the dazzling peacock butterfly perched upon a window box brimming with marigolds.
Take a look at some of our ideas to let wildlife into your life.